8 4 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 2 0
E
ven before the coronavirus crisis, operating a surgical facili-
ty in one of Alaska's largest cities brought unique challenges.
Patients from rural villages in the state's rugged interior
often had to fly to the Surgery Center of Fairbanks for a pre-
operative appointment a week before their procedures. Many flew home
and returned in time for their surgeries.
The center's staff launched a patient communication app early in
2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was a timely decision
that helped them manage state health mandates that changed by the
week, surgeons stuck in other states due to travel restrictions and the
postponement of cases, which wreaked havoc on the center's sched-
ule.
Adam Taylor | Senior Associate Editor
3 Keys to Keeping Patients Happy
Communication apps, PONV prevention and financing plans are real satisfiers.
CURBSIDE PICK-UP With COVID-19 visitor restrictions in place, surgical team members at the Surgery Center of Fairbanks use
communication apps to update patients' family members during surgery and inform them when their loved ones are ready for
discharge.
Surgery
Center
of
Fairbanks